Pressure responsive mechanism



PRESSURE RESPONSIVE MECHANISM Filed Dec. 16, 194i.

2 Sheets-Shea?. l

HVVENTOR. ,fw/LW i Mam V BY HM f

Patented Aug. l7, 1945 2,380,983 PRESSURE RESPONSIVE MECHANISM Frank C. Mock, South Bend, Ind., assigner to Bendix Products Corporation, South Bend, Ind.. a corporation of Indiana Application December 16. 1941, Serial No. 423,249

7 Claims.

This invention relates to pressure responsive mechanism and more particularly to diaphragms for use in systems requiring high sensitivity and uniform responsiveness through the maior portion of the diaphragm stroke. 'I'he present application is a continuation-impart of my copending application, Serial No. 202,206, filed April 15, 1938.

have long been used in various mechanisms for transforming a pressure into an actuating force controlling some part of the mechanism. For several reasons, however, they have not been entirely satisfactory in some installations and have not been used at all in others. In some cases it has been difcult or impossible to obtain the desired stroke with a diaphragm, .particularly if the diameter is small.. In others, the internal friction or hysteresis of the diaphragm, which interferes with its always returning to the same position for a given pressure, has made the use of a diaphragm unsatisfactory. In still other cases a diaphragm is unsatisfactory because of the change in its mean effective area as it is displaced. Thus,.the unsupported slack in la iiat diaphragm supported at its outer edges and secured to a movable control rod at its center, will take the form of a catenary under the dierential of pressures on opposite sides thereof. The mean eiective area will therefore change from that of the central supported area to that of the outer supported area upon displacement of the diaphragm from one extreme position to the other. This factor renders a diaphragm unsetisfactory in cases where a constant pressure force ratio is required through a portion of the working stroke.

' l It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved diaphragm.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a diaphragm having a minimum hysteresis. It is a. further object of theinvention to provide a diaphragm which may be moved through relatively large displacements without excessive wear. Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively strong diaphragm having a high del Diaphragms of various types and materials After considering these examples, skilled persons will understand that many variations may be made Without departing from the principles disclosed and I contemplate the employment of any structures, arrangements or modes of operation that are properly within the scope of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of regulator mechanism for a charge-forming device utilizing diaphragms in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the small sealing diaphragms of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a modified contour of the groove in. the large actuating diaphragms of Figure 1;

Figures 4 and 5 are sectional views of a further modiiication of the invention showing the diaphragm at different points of the stroke;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a further modiflcation of the invention;

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the balancing diaphragm of the fuel inlet valve of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a plan view diagrammatically illustrating a diaphragm material comprised of fabric of conventional weave impregnated with syn-y thetic gasoline-resistant rubber-like material; and

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 in which the fabric is replaced by substantially radially disposed strength-giving fibers or threads.

Referring first to Figure 1, the parts therein shown constitute the major portion of the regulator section or unit of the charge-forming device of Figure l of application Serial No. 202,206,

above noted, and bear the same reference numerals. Briefly, this unit consists of fuel and air pressure differential chambers 28, 4t, B6 and 62. The chambers 28 and M are separated by flexible diaphragm 4t having an annular groove of substantially semi-circular cross-section contour preformed therein. The peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm is secured in sealed relation between opposed casing flanges and the central portion thereof between a pair ofdisks t8, the latter in turn being secured to a rod 50 which at its right end is connected to a valve stem |01 of'a fuel inlet valve [09 through a universal connection |03 so thatI the parts are free to align themselves and thereby decrease side pressure on the rod orv valve which might cause binding. Valve la. is carried by a plug lll threaded on valve stemlll (see Fig. 7), the valve assembly beingheldinplacebymeansof anouternut ill which may be removed for disassembly without disturbing adjustment of the poppet valve on the valve stem relative to the diaphragm. A small diaphragm Ill serves to seal the outer en d of the valve member to prevent fuel from escaping. A passage lila communicates the fuel chamber 2l with the space to the right of the diaphragm il'l, the latter being equal in effective area to the effective area of the valve seat ill and thereby acts to balance the unbalance which would otherwise result from the differential in -pressure across valve lll. An idle spring Il engages connection I and provides an adjustable enrichment at idling speeds.'

Unmetered fuel is delivered to chamber 2l by a source of constant pressure such as a fuel pump, not shown. through pipe 2l, annular chamber N, ports l! past valve I and its seat Ill and into said chamber and passesfrom the latter through ilxed metering orifice 29, and then throughiadjustable metering orifice and-at times through economizer valve |21, into chamber M. from which the. metered fuel flows to a valve-controlled discharge or spray nozzle unit, not shown, which may be set to open at a mimmum discharge pressure, as for example, 5 or 6 pounds.

It will thus be seen that chamber 28 is subiected tounmetered fuel pressure and chamber 44 to metered fuel pressure, the pressure in chamber 28 being equivalent to discharge nozzle pressure plus the drop in pressure across the metering orinces 28, 30, and that in chamber 4l being equivalent to discharge nozzle pressure.

Chambers i! and 62 are separated from one another Lby a relatively large diaphragm 60 similar to diaphragm 40, while a relatively small sealing diaphragm 58 separates chamber 56 from chamber u, said diaphragms each having a deep annular groove preformed therein. The rod is provided with cylindrical hub members 5l whereby it issecured in sealed relation to the disks 48 of diaphragm I6, the small sealing diaphragm Bland disks 64 of diaphragm 60. Another sealing diaphragm 68 is secured to the left end of rod 50 and separates chambers 62 from end chamber 68. Chambers 28 and 68 are interconnected by a pressure-equalizing passage 10 formed in rodll, to balance out unavoidable pressure effects of diaphragms 5B and 66.

Chamber 56 is subjected to venturi suction through passage 18, while chamber 62 is subjected to air scoop .pressure through passage 80. When the engine is in operation, it drawsair through the air conduit, not shown, and a differential pressure is thus created between the air scoop and venturi, also not shown, which is a function of the rate of air flow. This differential in pressure acting in chambers 58 and l2 creatcs ya net force tending to move rod 50 to the right in a direction to open the valve |09. If this force were unopposed, the rod 50 and valve I IIS would move to the extreme right. However, as the valve ills opens, fuel'supplied under pressure to valve chamber 5I flows-into the unmetered fuel chamber 28. through the metering orifices, into the metered fuel chamber M, and thence to the discharge iet as heretofore noted. A differential in pressure between chambers 28'and 4I is therefore created which is equivalent to the pressure drop across oriiice- 29 and passage 3l and is a function of the rate of fuel flow therethrough. Since the pressure in chamber M is maintained within relatively narrow limits by the Y munsenhsancnsmmmamnmepmsure,openingofvalve lllwillincreasethcpressure in chamber 2l (dus to decreased throttling loss across said valve) thereby increasing the differential pressure across the metering orifices and increasing the rate of fuel iiow. The differentisl'in pressure between chamber Il and chambersllandtlwillexertaforceonrodll tending tomove it to the left or in a direction to close valve lll, thus opposing the force on rod Il created by venturi suction. Thus the rod Il will adjust itself to a point of equilibrium such that the differential across the fuel metering orifices is equal to the differential pressure between the air scoop and venturi. If now the pressure of fuel delivered to chamber 2l is increased, as by faulty pump action, the increased pressure in said chamber will cause valve III to move towards closed position thereby restoring the fuel metering differential pressure to its original value. If engine speed is decreased, the rate of air flow through the venturi decreases, thereby decreasing the differential pressure acting on diaphragm 6l. causing valve ill to move towards closed position andl thus decreasing the fuel flow to compensate for the decreased rate of air flow. 'I'he rate of fuel now is therefore directly controlled by the rate of air flow and a constant mixture of fuel and air obtained.

The success of a charge forming device such ss is shown in Figure 1 largely depends upon the diaphragms. 'I'hey must be strong enough tc withstand the pressures encountered and must be resistant to gasoline or other hydro-carbon fluid. Also, in order to satisfactorily proportion the fuel and air they must have a very low hysteresis factor so as to respond to very small changes in the actuating differential pressures, and must maintain a constant mean effective area throughout the working stroke so ss to create a force on the control rod which varies in directproportion to the differential pressures thereacross regardless of the particular position in the stroke.

If the hysteresis or internal friction is too great, the fuel and air proportioning will be erratic, particularly at low rates of fuel and air flow when the differential air pressure for actuating the device is but an inch or so of water. If, for example, it required but one-tenth of sn inch of water differential pressure to overcome the internal diaphragm friction, a maximum variation of two-tenths of an inch of water would be experienced, taking into consideration motion of the rod in both directions. Thus, for a given air differential of one inch of water. the fuel differential pressure could vary from nine-tenths to eleven-tenths, a variation of over twenty per- Inconsistent metering would obviously decreasingly effective in creating anair lxietexingy force and the fuel differential would become increasingly effective in creating a fuel metering force. Constant fuel-air proportioning would not be obtained with such an arrangement.

Diillculties such as these are overcome in the present device by the form and arrangement of the diaphragms and by the material and process used in making them. With reference to the sealing dlaphragms 58 and 66, they are provided with deep annular grooves, the sides of which lie respectively against the members 6i and outer walls, as clearly shown in Figure 2, to give a rolling vaction against the confining walls. The crosssectional contour of the grooves comprises a substantially semi-circular portion 20|, and straightsided portions 202. The length'or extent of the portions 202 may vary fromsubstantia-lly zero to any desired amount depending upon the stroke desired. Due to this construction and the diiferential in fluid pressure which exists on the two sides of the diaphragms, the grooves maintain a substantially constant effective radius as the rod moves, so that the effectiveareas of the diaphragms remain substantially constant regardless of movement of the rod 50. The grooves are provided in the diaphragms by molding or forming by pressure during curing, as vdistinguished from forming or shaping the fabric by the use of a stiifener prior to the application and curing of the rubber-like material, and therefore assume their normal working position even at a zero differential pressure,in contrast to an unformed diaphragm, such as a flat diaphragm provided with slack, in whichthe mean effective area does not become definitely `determined until the differential thereacross is sufficient to force the diaphragm to assume its working position. formed diaphragm assumes its normal position Without internal diaphragm stress, whereas the unformed diaphragm must be internally stressed before it will assume such a position.

The sealing diaphragms 58 and 66 are preferably made of synthetic rubber-like substances,

such as the one commercially available under the trade lname Duprene, or other suitable flexible rmaterial which may be formed and cured so as to have the desired configuration under zero stress. They may be made from a pellet of uncured stock by die-molding and curing.

v The large actuating diaphragms are preferably made from fabric coated or impregnated with Duprene, rubber-like substances or other materials, the fabric largely serving to increase the bursting strength of the diaphragm. Several thin coats or sheets of such materials are applied to each side of the fabric so that any air bubble or imperfection in one coat will be sealed by the other coats.l I have found that a superior diaphragm is obtained by applying uneured stock to 'the fabric, forming the diaphragm grooves While the stock is substantially uneured, and then curing. The forming is done while the rubber-like stock is substantially uneured, that is,` while the rubber-like material is insufficiently 'cured to form a bond to the textile, in order that the threads of the fabric may readily shift or stretch .relative to the rubber-like material during the forming process. With the latter method a stronger and more flexible diaphragm is obtained because the rubber-like material of the formed ydiaphragm is free or the internal `or residual stress which is present when semi-cured stock is stressed by forming, and then cured. Also, the .semi-cured stock tends to frictionally engage the 'threads of the fabric and to prevent them' from :stretching uniformly during the forming process. 'The fibers or threads may thus be locally stressed to a high value and may be broken. Such defects reduce the bursting strength of the diaphragm and are dimcult to locate by inspection because of the rubber-like coating. Also, a diaphragm formed from uneured stock and then cured has a greater resistance to seepage and vapor penetration than one formed from semi-cured stock and then further cured.

In Figure 1 the actuating diaphragms are shown with an annular groove oi?` substantially semi-circular cross-section similar to the portion 20| of Figure 2. A modified form of groove for the'large fabric impregnated diaphragms is shown in Figure 3, in which the groove'is substantially V-shaped having a rounded base portion 2|0. l

Figures 4 and 5 disclose two positions of a modified form of diaphragm in which the outer flange 220 and center flange or portion 222 are relatively thick and the working section 224 is relatively thin. The thick flanges do not tend to curl up and therefore greatly facilitate handling of the diaphragm and also improve the ease with which the diaphragm and supporting structure may beassembled. 'I'he thick flanges are alsoless likely to be cut or pinched by excessive tightening of the supporting structure assembly. The thin working section insures flexibility.

Although diaphragms of the type shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5 have relatively low residual friction, I have found that it is greatest lwhen the diaphragm is in its free or molded position and least when the planes of the center and outer flanges are. relatively displaced lfrom their positions during curing. By installing the diaphragm so that these planes, at least at the time maximum sensitivity is desired, will be relatively displaced from their positions during curing, a somewhat increased sensitivity is obtained. Thus Figure 4 might represent the position of the diaphragm corresponding to the cured position and Figure 5 represent the position of the diaphragm at the time maximum sensitivity is desired. Similarly,the diaphragm could be formed and cured in a position corresponding to extreme diaphragm displacement in one direction such that the working section of the diaphragm, as cured, would be of conical shape interconnecting the two flanged portions of the diaphragm. The foregoing advantage is thus obtained and yet ,substantially all of the available stroke' may be used without encountering the cured position.

In Figure 6 the thickened flanges 230 and 232 are of variable thickness, the thickness' decreasing as the .working section is approached. The diaphragm engaging surfaces of the supporting structure 2-34 and 236, and elements 238 and 239 are shaped to substantially conform to the surface of the diaphragm, Any tendency of the dia* phragm to pull away from the supporting structure is prevented by the resulting wedging action.

The wedge-tightening feature disclosed in Figure 6 is applied in a slightly modified form to the fuel inlet valve balancing diaphragm l il of Figure l, Figure 7 being an enlarged cross-sectional view thereof. The diaphragm has a relatively thin Working section 240 and a thicker central flange 24|. Thus, in order for the center portion of the diaphragm to pull away from the valve |09 and plug I i3, the thick flange 24| must be pulled through the small space between the valve and -plug at 243. Such action further tightens the diaphragm.

In a fabric type diaphragm the fabric is normally of conventional type in which the sets of threads are at right angles to each other as indicated in Figure 8, the function of the fabric being primarily to increase the strength of a thin diaphragm. The fabric may form an integral part of the diaphragm, as hereinabove discussed, or it may be formed with a groove and used as a separate element for backing up a thin rubber-like diaphragm. In Figure 8 the diaphragm to be formed is indicated as having a central hole 250, a groove designated by lines 252, 253 and an outer periphery 254. As the diaphragm rolls with displacement of the rod, the material must stretch a small amount circumferentially as a particular portion-of the diaphragm changes from a position in contact with the surface of the inner supporting structure to one in contact with the surface of the outer supporting structure. This tendency to stretch circumferentially is directly opposed at points 256 and 2 51 by the horizontal and vertical threads respectively. At an intermediate point such as 258 the stretch is not so greatly resisted by the fabric since it occurs diagonally of the weave. As a result, the diaphragm tends to stretch unevenly around the circumference of the diaphragm.

the threads tangential to a central base circle,

undue thickening of the diaphragm adjacent its center is prevented. A diaphragm of more uniform thickness is thus made possible, and the difficulties in molding caused by such a thickened center are avoided.

Although several modifications of the invention have been shown it will be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited thereto nor otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a diaphragm assembly for a device responsive to small variations in a pressure differential, a molded diaphragm of rubber-like material having a narrow annular groove molded thein inwardly of the periphery and inner and outer attaching flanges, structure engaging the outer flange and closely encircling said groove, and a member engaging the inner flange and closely encircled by said groove and movable relative to the structure in response to the diierential pressure across the diaphragm, said assembly being so constructed and arranged that at zero differential pressure across the diaphragm the inner and outer flanges are relatively displaced along the polar axis of the diaphragm from their free as-molded position.

2. A differential-pressure responsive diaphragm comprising a sheet of stiiener-free textile completely covered with cured rubber-like material and having a permanent annular groove therein, said groove being formed and maintained therein by pressure during curing of the uncured material applied to the textile whereby the textile is substantially free of localized internal stresses and the diaphragm has a low hysteresis factor in operation.

3. A diaphragm as set forth in claim 2 wherein the textile sheet is formed of members tangential to al base circle substantially concentric with and of a diameter smaller than that of the annular groove.

4. A differential-pressure responsive diaphragm comprising a single sheet of stiffener-free textile fabric completely covered with cured rubberlike material and having a permanent annular groove therein, said groove being formed and maintained therein by pressure during curing of a multi-coat layer of uncured material applied to a face of the fabric whereby the fabric is substantiall'y free of localized internal stresses and the diaphragm has a low hysteresis factor in operation.

. 5. A differential-pressure responsive diaphragm comprising a single sheet of stiffener-free textile completely covered with cured rubber-like material and having a permanent annular groove therein, said groove being formed and maintained therein by pressure during curing of the uncured material applied as a thin layer to at least one of the faces of the textile so that the textile will be substantially free of localized internal stresses and the diaphragm will have a low hysteresis factor in operation.

6. A differential-pressure responsive diaphragm comprising a sheet of stiffener-free textile fabric completely covered with cured rubber-like material and having a permanent annular groove therein, said groove being formed and maintained therein by pressure during curing of the uncured rubber-like material applied to both faces of the fabric so that the fabric will be substantially free of localized internal stresses and will have a low hysteresis factor in operation.

7. A differential-pressure responsive diaphragm comprising a sheet of stiffener-free textile completely covered with cured rubber-like material and having a permanent annular groove therein, said groove being formed by pressure applied to the textile treated with substantially uncured rubber-like material and maintained by such pressure while curing the material to an extent suiiicient to maintain the groove.

FRANK C. MOCK. 

